Overview:
- New 13.1-inch touchscreen is the biggest update inside the cabin.
- Subtle design changes include revised lights, new colors, and alloy options.
- New off-road accessories like expedition roof rack and air compressor.
- No changes to engine or body style lineup; India launch expected soon.
Introduction
Few SUVs command a legacy as commanding as the Land Rover Defender—an icon that has evolved over decades without losing its rugged appeal. In its latest avatar for 2025, the Defender receives a careful blend of technological upgrades and subtle design changes, reinforcing its status as one of the most capable luxury off-roaders in the world. While the silhouette and core identity remain untouched, the real story lies beneath—new features, refreshed aesthetics, and enhanced functionality that promise to elevate the driving experience both on and off the road.
Let’s dive into everything that’s new in the 2025 Land Rover Defender.
Subtle But Smart: What’s New on the Outside
From a distance, you might mistake the 2025 Defender for its predecessor, but look closer and the visual upgrades start to reveal themselves. The signature LED headlamps have been tweaked slightly—the central DRL ring is now smaller, lending a cleaner look. At the rear, smoked tail-lamps give the SUV a more premium finish, and fog lamps are now standard across all variants.
There’s also a new gloss black strip on the grille, and both the front and rear bumpers can now be finished in silver or satin grey, depending on the variant. Further enhancing its bold appeal, the bonnet and fender inserts feature a new textured finish, and for a dash of exclusivity, the wheel centre caps now proudly display ‘Defender’ instead of the usual ‘Land Rover’ badge.
Wheel options have been expanded too, with new 22-inch 7-spoke alloys available for those who love a grand stance. Color options have grown, with the Patagonia White Matte exterior wrap now offered on V8-powered variants and the flagship Defender Octa.
Tech Takes Center Stage: New Features Inside
If the outside is a lesson in subtlety, the inside of the 2025 Defender tells a very different story. The cabin now houses a massive 13.1-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 11.4-inch unit. The larger screen seamlessly bridges the gap between the dashboard and centre console, creating a more integrated, modern look while offering a richer infotainment experience.
In a move driven by new European safety regulations (GSR2), Land Rover has also introduced a driver drowsiness detection system. An infrared camera mounted on the steering column monitors the driver’s eye movement and attentiveness. If it detects signs of distraction or fatigue, the system triggers audio-visual alerts. Thankfully, for those who find it intrusive, it can be adjusted or disabled through the settings menu.
Also making its debut is an off-road adaptive cruise control system. This optional feature is tailor-made for tricky terrain, automatically modulating speed and braking to maintain control without driver intervention—a welcome tool for serious overlanders.
Built for Adventure: New Off-Road Accessories
Land Rover hasn’t just focused on technology; the Defender’s legendary off-road credentials have also been enhanced with a suite of new accessories. Adventure seekers can now opt for a new expedition roof rack, crossbars, and underbody protection kits that help tackle the harshest terrains.
The Octa variant takes things a step further with a 4,500 kg-rated winch, complete with a carbon-fibre cover for lightweight durability. This isn’t just for show—it’s a serious piece of gear for off-road recoveries. Meanwhile, the Defender 130 variant now gets an integrated air compressor to quickly adjust tyre pressures during off-roading—yet another tool that shows Land Rover’s commitment to real-world usability.
No Changes Under the Hood – Still a Versatile Line-Up
While the tech and features get a 2025 update, powertrain and body styles remain unchanged—and that’s not a bad thing. The Defender continues to be offered in three body styles globally: 90, 110, and 130. In India, customers still have the choice of five different engines:
- 2.0-litre petrol
- 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid
- 3.0-litre diesel
- 5.0-litre V8
- 4.4-litre V8
This range caters to everyone—from the efficiency-focused urban explorer to the performance-seeking adventurer. The Defender’s diverse engine lineup, paired with its robust architecture and all-wheel-drive systems, continues to offer best-in-class off-road ability without compromising on luxury.
Conclusion: A Modern Classic, Now Even Smarter
The 2025 Land Rover Defender doesn’t reinvent itself—but that’s precisely the point. What it does instead is fine-tune an already near-perfect formula. With smart updates like a larger touchscreen, safety-first driver monitoring systems, and new off-road-ready accessories, the Defender continues to lead its segment with a blend of heritage, innovation, and unbeatable capability.
For Indian buyers eagerly awaiting the refreshed model, the wait won’t be long. With prices currently ranging from ₹1.05 crore to ₹2.79 crore (ex-showroom), the 2025 Defender is expected to slot right into the existing range—albeit with a more refined and feature-rich package.
Whether you’re heading into the wild or cruising through the city, the Defender remains the ultimate go-anywhere luxury SUV—now more advanced and adventure-ready than ever.